Spread roller system for self developing type photographic apparatus

ABSTRACT

Photographic apparatus including film-advancing fluid processing means for use with a self-developing photographic film unit including a first image-recording sheet element secured in superposed face to face relation with a second image-receiving sheet element by external binding means secured to and overlapping the longitudinal and lateral edges of the sheet elements and defining, in part, an exposure area of the film unit, the film unit adapted to be processed to produce a visible image as a processing fluid is distributed between the sheet elements, coextensive with the exposure area, in a layer with a predetermined cross-sectional configuration. The film-advancing fluid processing means includes a pair of rotatably mounted juxtaposed pressure applying rollers resiliently urged toward one another and adapted to spread the processing fluid between the sheet elements of the film unit as it is advanced between the rollers. At least one of the rollers is a structure including a generally rigid support member with a pair of spaced apart annular grooves therein, a layer of high-friction resilient material overlying the support member and having an internal configuration similar to that of the support member and an external configuration that is a substantially cylindrical sheetcontacting surface being relatively more deformable in those portions overlying the annular grooves of the support member whereby the binding means on the surface of the second sheet element along the longitudinal edges of the film unit, when disposed within these deformable portions, are permitted to move toward the annular grooves of the support member during spreading of the processing fluid between the sheet elements.

United States Patent [191 Whall [4 1 Mar. 11, 1975 1 SPREAD ROLLER SYSTEM FOR SELF DEVELOPING TYPE PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS James M. Whall, Lexington, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge,

Mass.

221 Filed; May 2,1974

21 Appl. No.: 466,416

[75] Inventor:

Primary E.\aminerRichard L. Moses Alto/nay. Agent, or Firm-Alfred E. Corrigan [57] ABSTRACT Photographic apparatus including film-advancing fluid processing means for use with a self-developing photographic film unit including a first image-recording sheet element secured in superposed face to face relation with a second image-receiving sheet element by external binding means secured to and overlapping the longitudinal and lateral edges of the sheet elements and defining, in part, an exposure area of the film unit, the film unit adapted to be processed to produce a vis ible image as a processing fluid is distributed between the sheet elements, coextensive with the exposure area, in a layer with a predetermined cross-sectional configuration. The film-advancing fluid processing means includes a pair of rotatably mounted juxtaposed pressure applying rollers resiliently urged toward one another and adapted to spread the processing fluid between the sheet elements of the film unit as it is advanced between the rollers. At least one of the rollers is a structure including a generally rigid support member with a pair of spaced apart annular grooves therein, a layer of high-friction resilient material overlying the support member and having an internal configuration similar to that of the support member and an external configuration that is a substantially cylindrical sheet-contacting surface being relatively more deformable in those portions overlying the annular grooves of the support member whereby the binding means on the surface of the second sheet element along the longitudinal edges of the film unit, when disposed within these deformable portions, are permitted to move toward the annular grooves of the support member during spreading of the processing fluid between the sheet elements.

12 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEU 1 I975 Sniii 1 BF 5 PATENTEDHARI 1 1 cm? 1.010

SHEET 5 UF 5 FIG. 7

SPREAD ROLLER SYSTEM FOR SELF DEVELOPING TYPE PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION For Self-Developing Type Photographic Apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates to photography and, more particularly, to an improved film advancing-fluid spreading apparatus.

2. Description of the Prior Art Processing apparatus for use with self-developing photographic systems are common in the literature of the photographic arts. Their basic functions in facilitating the production of a visible image from an exposed photosensitive element of a self-developing type film unit are well known. However, for a more thoroughunderstanding of the features of the present invention, it will be helpful to briefly review in a systems context the basic functions of processing apparatus, the problems related to these functions, and the implications on both of recent trends in system sophistication aimed at furhter simplifying users tasks.

To begin with, the attractiveness of the selfdeveloping photographic system, for both amateur and professionals alike, resides principally in its ability to produce, at reasonable cost, high quality finished black and white or color photographic prints within seconds or minutes after the picture is snapped, i.e., an exposure made. This is made possible by virtue of synergistic relationships between the system components, e.g., camera, film, and processing apparatus, that enable an image of the scene to be recorded by the camera on a photosensitive image-recording element forming part of a film unit and subsequently treated with a processing fluid in such a way that the fluid is confined to the exposed film unit and prevented from contacting other system components or coming into contact with the person or clothing of the user. Unlike conventional photographic film products the self-developing film unit contains all the photographic materials necessary for the production of a visible image. In this instance, the exposed image-recording element of the film unit is developed and as a function of development, an image-wise distribution of image-forming components is formed and transferred to a superposed imagereceiving element. The development and diffusion transfer are effected by the application of a predetermined amount of a viscous processing fluid between the superposed elements in a layer whose cross-section is of predetermined configuration. In a typical film unit, the processing fluid is stored in a pressure rupturable container sometimes referred to as a pod; such pods usually being attached to one of the photographic elements of the flim unit.

The distribution of the processing fluid between the superposed elements is facilitated by the fluid processing apparatus which usually forms an integrated part of the camera. Generally this processing apparatus employs a pair of spreader members which exert a compressive force on the film unit, i.e., the pod and superposed photographic elements, as it is advanced between them. The compressive force first ruptures the pod releasing the processing fluid therefrom and subsequently progressively spreads the released fluid between the superposed photographic elements in alayer of predetermined cross-sectional configuration as further advancement occurs. The quality of the final image critically depends on the proper cross-sectional configuration of the processing fluid layer which depends, among other things, on the degree to which the desired layer configuration is influenced by the external cross-sectional configuration of the film unit and the corresponding geometry of the contacting surface of the spreader members. To be more specific on this last point, as it relates to the present invention, it should be emphasized that, historically, the crosssectional configuration of the fluid layer is substantially rectangular in shape, the external configuration of the .film unit substantially rectangular in shape, and the spreader members mounted in juxtaposed relation substantially parallel. In the short, the geometry problems were minimal because of the similarity in shape between the film unit and the spreader members contacting the film unit surfaces. But these film units generally contained separable elements, one of which contained the finished print and the other disposable waste materials, whose construction easily accommodated the parallel roller surfaces. More recent film units like that, for example, described in US. Pat. No. 3,415,644 granted to Edwin H. Land on Dec. 10, 1968 produce a waste free finished print of the type used with the present invention. Commerically available films of this type generally have a croos-sectional configuration that varies, while the fluid layer requirements still call for a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape. In order to solve this problem of imcompatible geometry, the available processing apparatus provide cutout relief sections in their spreader members which permit the film unit to expand under the pressure ofthe processing fluid in such a way that the fluid layer has a substantially rectangular cross-section over the exposure area while the film unit generally does not. As will be seen later, the present invention will provide an alternate, more economical, solution to this problem. To review, the basic functions of processing apparatus are, to conflne'the processing fluid to a film unit out of contact I with the user and the camera in which the film unit is exposed and processed, while at the same time, to distribute the fluid in such a way that all portions of the exposed area of a photosensitive image-recording material are treated with the proper amount of fluid as defined by a predetermined cross-sectional configuration of the fluid layer.

The more sophisticated systems, aimed at further reducing the users tasks, impose additional requirements on the processing apparatus because the system complexity naturally increases as user participation decreases. Furthermore these newer systems exhibit other desirable features, as for example, their light weight, compactness, and the ability to advance the film unit automatically to produce a waste free print. This means that the processing apparatus, since the advancing is done by automatic means, have spreader members with sheet-contacting surfaces that facilitate transport, be highly effective and reliable all without damaging the surface of the finished print. in this respect, at least one of the spreader members should have a high-frietion surface which is non-abrasive with respect to the film surface.

In view of the foregoing discussion of the basic functions, the requirements of sophistication, and the overriding cost factor, the difficulty of producing processing apparatus that satisfy all these criteria can be fully appreciated. While present commerical systems like that described in US. Pat. No. 3,776,842 granted to James M. Whall on Oct. 23, I973 satisfy these requirements, it is apparent that improvements in terms of re duced costs and increased effectiveness enhance the attractiveness of the self-developing system and consequently will increase the market substantially. One of he primary reasons why the cost of producing apparatus satisfying all the functions descirbed above is relatively high relates to the number of manufacturing steps required'to make a high-friction non-abrasive roller surface. The process involves precisely grinding a stainless steel roller, coating it with a primer, casting a block of urethane around the roller, and finally precision grinding the urethane to the desired surface configuration with appropriate relief sections. Because of the tolerances involved and the difficulty in grinding the urethane surface in the relief areas of the roller surface without damaging them by stripping the urethane from the stainless steel roller, it is evident that both a reduction in the number of machining operations and an elimination of the relief grinding operation in partic-' ular would substantially reduce the cost of producing such apparatus as described herein. Therefore, an object of this invention is to provide a spreader roller structure requiring minimum manufacturing steps.

Yet another object of this invention is to provide an improved apparatus of the film advancing type.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus of the type indicated having improved effectiveness and reliability at reduced cost.

A further object ofthis invention is to provide an improved apparatus of the type indicated wherein the surface of one of the spreader members is of relatively high-friction and has portions relatively more deformable than others.

SUMMARY or THE INVENTION In its illustrated embodiment, the present invention has been depicted as a film-advancing fluid processing assembly preferably forming an integral part of a camera for use with a self-developing film unit. The film unit comprises a first image-recording sheet element secured in superposed face to face relation with a second image-receiving sheet element by external binding means, secured to and overlapping the longitudinal and lateral edges of the sheet elements and defining, in part, an exposure area of the film unit, the film unit adapted to be processed to produce a visible image as a process ing fluid is distributed between the sheet elements, coextensive with the exposure area, in a layer with a predetermined cross-sectional configuration.

In an illustrated embodiment, the film-advancing fluid processing assembly comprises a pair of juxtaposed pressure applying rollers, rotatably mounted between a pair of spaced apart support members and continuously urged towards one another by resilient means. The support members include elongated slots which facilitate translatory motion of one of the rollers with respect to the other. Spaced apart annular collars are provided adjacent oppositeends of one of the rollers and extend to contact respective bearing surfaces on the other roller to define a minimum spacing between the rollers when under the influence of the resilient urging means, the minimum spacing facilitating the introduction of the film unit between the rollers. The invention, thus arranged, is paricularly adapted to spread the processing fluid in a layer of predetermined cross-sectional configuration between the sheet -ele.- ments of the film unit, as it is advanced between the rollers. In this respect, one of the rollers has a high-friction selectively deformable sheet-contacting surface adapted to facilitate film advancement and cooperate with the film unit to determine the desired fluid layer configruation.

This roller is a roller structure including a generally rigid support member having a pair of spaced apart annular grooves therein and a layer of high-friction resilient material overlying the support member having an internal configuration similar to that of the support member and an external configuration defining a substantially cylindrical sheet-contacting surfce being relatively more deformable in those portions overlying the annular groovees of the support member, whereby the binding means on the surface of the second sheet element along the longitudinal edges of the film unit, when disposed within these more deformable portions, are permitted to move toward the annular grooves of the support member, during spreading of the processing fluid between the sheet elements.

Preferably, the resilient layer of high-friction material is comprised of a suitable elastomer as, for example, urethane and the relatively rigid support member comprised of carbon or stainless steel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The novel features that are considered characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and its method of operation, together with other objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of the illustrated embodiment when read in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers have been employed in the different figures to denote the same parts and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view diagrammatically depicting a collapsible camera for use with self-developing film, the camera being disposed in its operative condition and incorporating the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, partially cut-away, side elevation view of the camera shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective sectioned view of a self-developing film unit;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional elevation, taken along line 4-4, of the film unit shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic elevation showing a partially broken away cross-section of the film unit of FIG. 3 disposed between a pair of rollers;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 showing the film unit of FIG. 3 disposed between the rollers of the invention; and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic, partially cut-away, front elevation view of the fluid processing assembly of the camera shown in FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT In its illustrated embodiment, the present invention is depicted as being incorporated in a compact collapsible camera 10 for use with self-developing film..The camera 10 generally conforms to the camera structure disclosed and described in considerable detail in US. Pat. No. 3,714,879, entitled Reflex Camera by Edwin H. Land et al. The camera 10 is illustrated in its operative condition in FIG. ll. Referring now to FIG. 1, it will be seen that camera includes a plurality of housing members 12, 14, 16, and 18 that are pivotally connected to one another at pivots 20, 22, 24, and 26 for relative movement between the extended operative condition of FIG. I and a compact collapsed condition (not shown). Additionally, a housing member 28 extending in front of housing member 18 is pivotally connected thereto at pivot 30 for movement in a clockwise direction as view in FIG. 2 for purposes which will later be described. Housing member 28 includes means for mounting a fluid processing assembly 32 including juxtaposed spreader members 34 and 36 urged toward one another by resiliently biasing means. The present invention is particularly concerned with the nature of this fluid processing assembly 32 which will be discussed in considerable detail hereinafter.

When the camera 10 is disposed in its extended operative condition of FIGS. 1 and 2, the fluid processing assembly 32 is positioned across an entrance 40 to a film magazine chamber 42. The pivotal connection between housing members l8 and 28 permits the latter to be rotatably moved with respect to the former to move fluid processing assembly 32 from its blocking position across entrance 40 thereby creating access to film magazine chamber 42 so that a film magazine 44 may be loaded therein. Each film magazine 44 includes a plurality of film units 46 which may take any suitable form but will generally have a form elaborated on hereinafter. Additionally each such film magazine 44 is provided with a picture framing aperture 48, not shown in full, but defined in part by longitudinal edge portions 50 of film magazine 44. When thefilm magazine 44 is properly located within the film magazine chamber 42, framing aperture 48 becomes positioned so that it is aligned with the optical system of camera 10 to facilitate exposure operations and picture framing. Within film magazine 44 is a spring assembly 52 that continuously urges the film units 46 toward framing aperture 48 so that outermost film unit is located in the focal plane of camera 10 for exposure purposes. An elon gated opening 54 is provided in the housing of film magazine 44 to facilitate the advancement of each film unit 46 from the magazine towards the fluid processing assembly 32 after an exposure is made.

The member 12 comprises a housing 56 for the cameras lens assembly 58, an actuator button 60, and a shutter assembly 62, not shown in detail, but disposed within housing 56 and comprising suitable electrooptical-mechanical means for determining and regulating exposure intervals. Additionally, member 12 in cooperation with members 14, I6, 18, and collapsible bellows 64, forms a six-sided exposure chamber 66.

The optical system of camera 10 in addition to lens assembly 58 further comprises optical means that cooperate with lens assembly 58 to provide alternate folded light paths for light rays emanating from the scene and passing through the lens elements of lens assembly 58. The nature of these light paths and the associated means for producing them may best be understood by relating them respectively to the modes of operation of camera 10 while it is in its extended operative condition. The modes of operation referred to may be conveniently classified in functional terms as the viewing and focusing mode and the exposing and processing mode. In the viewing and focusing mode an image of the scene is brought to the users eye as rays from the scene pass through the lens elements of lens assembly 58, reflect from a fixed mirror 68 located on the interior wall of housing member 16. Located immediately above and overlying the focal plane of camera 10 is a Fresnel mirror 70 which takes the light rays reflected from fixed mirror 68 and redirects them in a, focused bundle of rays and projects them back to mirror 68 then through a small exit hole 72 onto an aspheric mirror 74. From the aspheric mirror 74 the light rays pass through a magnifying eye lens 76 which facilitates viewing the scene.

During the exposure processing mode Fresnel mirror 70 is displaced from its position overlying the focal plane of camera it) to a position immediately adjacent to and overlying fixed mirror 6%. Shown in phantom in FIG. 2 on the reverse side of the Fresnel mirror 70 is seen a plain mirror '78 rigidly attached thereto which reflects light rays coming in through the lens elements of lens assembly 58 onto the surface of the film unit 46.

This unique arrangement of optical elements provides the camera lltl with a single-lens reflex capability which permits the camera user to select the subject matter of the scene and subsequently focus the image for best sharpness. Located in housing number 56 is a focus wheel 30 which when rotated causes a forwardrearward displacement of the lens elements in lens assembly 58 thereby permitting the user to adjust the sharpness of the subject matter image.

To initiate the exposing and processing mode of operation of camera it), the user depresses actuator button 66 located in housing 56. The depression of actuator button 60 engages means, not shown, in camera 10 which effect a sequential series of camera system operations that ultimately result in a finished photograph. The first of these operations closes a normally open shutter 62 located in housing 56 thus producing an internal light-tight condition in exposure chamber 66. subsequently the Fresnel 70 moves from its position covering the focal plane of camera 10 to its position shown in phantom in FIG. 2 thereby uncovering photo sensitive film unit 46 and positioned to direct light rays coming from the focused subject matter to the film unit 46 instead of the alternate path to the eye. Shutter 62 then reopens and the exposure is begun. After an appropriate exposure interval the shutter 62 again closes and the exposure chamber 66 is again in a light-tight condition. At this time the Fresnel 70 is automatically repositioned to cover the exposed film unit and return exposure chamber 66 to its initial state. While the F resnel 70 is returning to its initial position covering the focal plane of camera 10, a sequence of events is initi ated during which the exposed film unit 46 is automatically advanced through the elongated opening 54 of film magazine 44 and into operative relationship with fluid processing assembly 32. It is with the interrelationships that occur between the exposed film unit 46, film-advancing means and the fluid processingassembly 32 that occur during this last sequence of events that is the particular concern of the present invention which will be described in more detail hereinafter. After the exposed film unit 46 passes through an exit slot 84, shutter 62 then reopens and camera 10 returns to its viewing and focusing mode.

Before proceeding to the details of the invention it may be useful at this point to analyze the foregoing description for user activity for purposes of estimating the sophistication of the photographic system described.

These activities may reasonably be reduced to four in number; that is, loading the camera with film, selecting the subject matter of the scene, focusing the camera and depressing the actuator button. When these few steps are contrasted with the described system operation, it is evident that the level of user participation is very low and that of the system relatively high. This simplification in the user's tasks in taking a picture is obviously achieved because the photographic system assumes some of the more traditional roles reserved for photographic system users. The result, of course, is that the system becomes more complex and therefore relatively more difficult to manufacture and control at reasonable costs. The cost motivation behind the present invention therefore should be more fully appreciated when it is understood how the present invention accomplishes its critical systemic functionswhile at the same time being relatively less expensive to manufacture than presently available commerical units.

The interactions that occur between the film unit 46 and the fluid processing apparatus 32 may best be understood by first becoming acquainted with the structure and nature of these two assemblies and then to examine the interaction in view of the fluid-processing and flim-advancing requirements discussed previously. To review briefly, though, after the film unit 46 is exposed and is brought into contact with the fluid processing apparatus 32 it is continually advanced there through and during advancement a compressive force is exerted on the film unit 46 which ruptures a container 90 and progressively spreads the processing fluid within thefilm assembly.

Reference is now made to FIG. 3 wherein film unit 46 is illustrated as comprising a first rectangular photosensitive image-recording sheet element 86 located in superposed relation with a second rectangular imagereceiving sheet element 88, the latter having a length exceeding that of the former by at least the shorter dimension of the pressure rupturable container 90 containing a processing fluid 92. Container 90, or the pod as it is often called, is mounted adjacent a leading edge 98 of the image-recording element 86 and underlying an extended portion 99 of image-receiving element 88 being disposed to discharge its fluid contents between the elements 86 and 88 when subjected to compressive pressure. The processing fluid 92 has a viscosity suitable to facilitate is distribution between the elements 86 and 88 while at the same time aiding in its confinement to the film unit 46 out of contact withother system components and the system user. In this connection, elements 86 and 88 are secured in superposition by binding means 94 which serve to define an exposure area 101, retain the lateral edges of the elements in face to face contact while under compressive load, and facilitate an integrated waste-free film unit.

With respect to exposure, image-receiving element 88 is transparent and adapted to allow actinic radiation to pass through it to be received by image-recording element 86. Also in this connection the transparent image-receiving element 88 is adapted for viewing the final picture. Consequently, an aperture 96 has been provided in binding means 94 such that it limits the area of image-recording element 86 exposed to actinic radiation by its position on the external surface of image-receiving element 88. From its position on the surface of image-receiving element 88 defining the lateral edges of the exposure area 101, binding means 94 extends outwardly towards leading edge 98 of the film unit, toward a trailing edge 100, and towards longitudinal edges 102, overlapping all the edges and secured to the external surface of image-recording element 86 extending inwardly along this surface to define longitudinal margin portions 104 of greater thickness than the portions thereof intermediate longitudinal edges 102 adjacent the exposure area. More specifically, the cross-section of the film unit as a result of this binding technique is variable as illustrated in part in FIG. 4 with the inward extensions of binding means 94 on the external surface of element 88 defining in part the lateral edge 89 of the exposure area which extends inwardly a distance greater than the inward extension of binding means 94 on the external surface of element 86. Although the binding technique serves the requirements discussed above, it introduces a problem in distributing the processing fluid 92 as it should be in a region 103 (See FIG. 5) adjacent the lateral edges 89 of the exposure area 101 as the fluid is distributed in a longitudinal direction from the leading edge 98 to the trailing edge 100 of flim unit 46.

The problem of distributing the processing fluid in region 103 is clearly illustrated by referring to FIG. 5 and assuming that the pressure applying members of the fluid processing apparatus comprise rigid rollers resiliently biased toward one another. It is apparent that during the spreading of the processing fluid 92, the pressure applying members will retain the sheet elements 86 and 88 in face to face relationship in the region of longitudinal edge portions 104 while permiting the medial portions of the element in the region of the exposed area 101 to separate under the influence of the hydraulic pressure of the processing fluid until the external surfaces of the sheet elements 86 and 88 come into contact with the sheet-contacting surfaces of the rollers. Under these conditions the thickness of the processing fluid in the medial portions of the exposed area will be approximately equal to twice the thickness of the binding means 94 but, as can be seen in FIG. 5, in this region 103 immediately adjacent the lateral edge 89 of the exposure area 101 there exists a fluid layer thickness transition where the processing fluid thickness will range from twice the thickness of binding means 94 to a single thickness. This is caused by local geometric constraints in that region the result of which is insufficient processing fluid at he lateral edges 89 of the picture area causing unacceptable image formation there. This condition is. aggravated by processing fluid absorbtion' in adjacent regions further reducing the quantity of fluid available to process the exposed photosensitive image-recording element 86 of film unit 46 to form an image in region 103. The solution to this problem of insufficient fluid at the lateral edges 89 of the exposed area 101 is to permit further expansionto occur laterally between the sheet elements86 and 88 in the region underlying and intermediate the inward extensions of the binding means 94 on the external surfaces of the sheet-elements 86 and 88. This can be achieved by providing a recess in the form of an annular grove in one of the rollers whose depth preferably equals the thickness of the binding means 94 and whose location overlies the region where the expansion is re quired. This was the solution of choice taken in presently available commerical apparatus for use with film units of the type described herein. Although this worked effectively, the cost for manufacturing such a roller and the additional requirement that the surface have high-frictional characterisics made the roller relatively expensive. Therefore an alternate solution was indicated which satisfied all the requirements of fluid processing apparatus discussed above while at the same time being relatively less expensive. This alternate solution referred to is the particular subject of the present invention and can best be understood by referring to FIGS. 6 and 7. Fundamentally, the problem of insufficient processing fluid 92 near the lateral edges 89 of the exposure area 1010f film unit 46 can be viewed as an incompatability between the required crosssectional configuration of processing fluid layer be tween the sheet elements 86 and 88 in the region corresponding to the exposure area and the pressure expanded cross-sectional configruation of the film unit 46. An alternate solution is to provide a pressure sensitive deformable sheetcontacting surface that has regions relatively more deformable than others which allow expansion of the film unit under the influence of hydraulic pressure such that the expanded external configuration of the film unit 46 during processing and film-advancement determines the desired crosssectional configuration of the processing fluid layer in the exposed region of the film unit.

FIG. 6 illustrates the pair of spreader members 34 and 36 of fluid processing apparatus 32 with film unit 46 disposed therebetween during processing and filmadvancement. Spreader member 36 is shown as a roller structure including a generally rigid support member 108 made of, for example, stainless steel and means 110 defining a recess at opposite ends of support member 108, each of which is adapted to overlie a longitudinal edge portion 104 of film unit 46. The recess means 110 is an annular grove whose width is greater than the lateral distance between the respective edges of the inward extensions of binding means 94 on the surface of sheet elements 86 and 88. Overlying support member 108 is a layer 112 of a high-friction resilient material whose interior surface 114 has a configuration similar to that of support member 108 and whose exterior surface 116 is substantially cylindrical. The surface 116 of support member 108 thus formed being capable of relatively more deformation in the region overlying the annular recesses. Additionally, a pair of annular collars 118, one of which is shown in FIG. 6, are provided to define a minimum gap between members 34 and 36 to facilitate the introduction therebetween of film unit 46. The manufacturing process of making member 36 comprises machining support member 108, coating it with a primer, and casting thereon the layer 112 of a suitable elastomeric material as, for example, urethane whose outside configuration is substantially cylindrical. In contrast to the previously described manufacturing steps this is obviously less involved and therefore less expensive. Spreader member 34 is a roller comprised of a suitable rigid material such as carbon or stainless steel, provided with journals 120 for rotation about its longitudinal axis.

Attention is now directed to another important aspect of fluid processing apparatus of this type, namely, film-advancing. As mentioned earlier, after an exposure is made, the film unit 46 is advanced into operative relationship with fluid processing assembly 32. the film unit advancement is achieved as a result of a film picking mechanism 82 picking up the trailing edge 100 of film unit 46 and advancing it out of film magazine 44 via elongated opening 54 when motion is imparted to picking mechanism 82 by a suitable camera motor and gear train assembly (not shown). In this connection spreader member 36 constitutes a drive roller in that it has a spur gear 122, see FIG. 7, axially connected thereto which in turn is also coupled to the camera motor through an appropriate gear train, not shown in its entirety, but comprising a pinion 124. A suitable timing device (not shown) initiates rotatroy motion of spreader member 36 prior to the introduction of film unit 46 into fluid processing apparatus 32. Since annular collars 1118 contact the surface of spreader member 34 it facilitating turn also rotates at this time thereby facilitaing the introduction of film unit 46 between the spreader members 34 and 36 and also as a result insures a smooth progression of the film unit 46 throughout the fluid spreading process. Because of the surface characteristics of film unit 46, it is necessary to provide a high-friction sheet-contacting surface to at least one of the spreader member surfaces to provide a nonslipping traction force which insures a continuous fluidprocessing operation. This is provided for by the exterior surface 116 of elastomeric layer 112, which incidentally is non-abrasive and therefore will not damage the surface of element 88 through which the picture is viewed.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 2 fluid processing assembly 32 is shown disposed in housing member 28. It can be seen that spreader members 34 and 36 are rotatably mounted in juxtaposed relationship between spaced apart support brackets 126. Support brackets 126 have portions defining elongated slots 128 which permit spreader member 34 to be linearly displaced with respect to spreader member 36 during the passage of film unit 46 therebetween. Additionally, a torsion spring 130 resiliently urges spreader member 34 to ward spreader member 36 keeping the two spreader members in contact when no film unit is between them and providing the necessary pressure to spread processing fluid 92 within film unit 46 while it is disposed between the spreader elements 34 and 36.

Thus a film-advancing fluid-processing apparatus has been provided that fulfills the functional requirments for this type of apparatus and that can be manufactured with fewerr manufacturing operations and at relatively lower cost. The embodiment described herein is illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims and all variations which come within the meaning of the claims are intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed is:

l. Photographic apparatus including means for spreading a processing fluid in a layer between first and second superposed sheet elements, at least one of the elements forming part of an exposed rectangular area of a film unit, the elements secured in superposed relationship by spaced apart longitudinal edge binding means secured to the external surfaces of the sheets and overlapping longitudinal edge of the elements, the binding means extending inwardly from the longitudinal edges of the first element on the external surface thereof to define lateral edges which in part define the exposure area and inwardly from the longitudinal edges of the second element to a distance shorter than the inward extension on the surface of the first element, the elements thus secured having longitudinal margin portions of greater thickness than the portions thereof in- 1 1 termediate the longitudinal edges, said spreading means comprising:

a first member having a firstsheet-contacting surface; and

a second member mounted in juxtaposed relation to said first member and adapted to define a pressure generating gap therewith through which the sheet elements are adapted to be advanced during spreading of the processing fluid, said second member including a generally rigid support member, means defining a pair of laterally spaced apart recesses in said support member, said recesses being adapted to respectively overlie the longitudinal margin portions of the superposed sheet elements from a lateral point intermediate the longitudinal edge on the surface of the second element and the lateral edge defining the exposure area on the surface of the first element and extending inwardly to a lateral point at least coextensive with the lateral edge defining the exposure area on the surface of the first element as the sheet elements are advanced between said first and second members, and a layer of relatively high-friction resilient material located in overlying relation to said support member, said layer including an external surface defining a second sheet-contacting surface and an interior surface having a configuration similar to that of said support member; said second sheetcontacting surface of said second member being capable of relatively more surface deformation on those portions of the said second surface overlying said recesses whereby the inwardly extending lateral edges of the binding means on the surface of the first element may move toward said recesses during spreading of the processing fluid.

2. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for resiliently urging one of said first and second members toward the other member.

3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first member comprises a rotatably mounted elongated roller the first sheet-contacting surface of which has a length greater than the distance intermediate the lateral edges of the inward extension of the longitudinal edge binding means on the surface of the second element.

4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said support member of said second member comprises a rotatably mounted elongated roller wherein said recess means sheet-contacting surface has a substantially cylindrical configruation.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 further including means for driving at least one of said rollers to cause said one roller to impart rotary motion to the other of said rollers prior to the introduction of the pair of sheet elements between said rollers and to cause said second high-friction sheet-contacting surface to advance the pair of sheet elements between said rollers once the pair of sheet elements have been brought into operative relationship therewith, the spacing between said first and second sheet-contacting surfaces being defined by the thickness of the longitudinal margin portions of the secured superposed sheet elements.

.7. The apparatus of claim 4 further including means for limiting the movement of said rollers towards one another under the influence of said urging means to definea minimum spacing between said first and second sheet-contacting surfaces thereby facilitating the introduction therebetween of the sheet elements.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said movement limiting means includes a pair of annular collars provided with bearing surfaces mounted on one of said rollers and extending towards the other said roller, and

parting rotary motion to said first roller when under the influence of driving means prior to the advancment of the sheet elements between said rollers.

9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support member of said second member is comprised of stainless steel and said layer of resilient material is comprised on an elastomer.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said elastomer is urethane.

11. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said layer of resilient material is comprised of an elastomer.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said elastomer is urethane. 

1. Photographic apparatus including means for spreading a processing fluid in a layer between first and second superposed sheet elements, at least one of the elements forming part of an exposed rectangular area of a film unit, the elements secured in superposed relationship by spaced apart longitudinal edge binding means secured to the external surfaces of the sheets and overlapping longitudinal edge of the elements, the binding means extending inwardly from the longitudinal edges of the first element on the external surface thereof to define lateral edges which in part define the exposure area and inwardly from the longitudinal edges of the second element to a distance shorter than the inward extension on the surface of the first element, the elements thus secured having longitudinal margin portions of greater thickness than the portions thereof intermediate the longitudinal edges, said spreading means comprising: a first member having a first sheet-contacting surface; and a second member mounted in juxtaposed relation to said first member and adapted to define a pressure generating gap therewith through which the sheet elements are adapted to be advanced during spreading of the processing fluid, said second member including a generally rigid support member, means defining a pair of laterally spaced apart recesses in said support member, said recesses being adapted to respectively overlie the longitudinal margin portions of the superposed sheet elements from a lateral point intermediate the longitudinal edge on the surface of the second element and the lateral edge defining the exposure area on the surface of the first element and extending inwardly to a lateral point at least coextensive with the lateral edge defining the exposure area on the surface of the first element as the sheet elements are advanced between said first and second members, and a layer of relatively high-friction resilient material located in overlying relation to said support member, said layer including an external surface defining a second sheet-contacting surface and an interior surface having a configuration similar to that of said support member; said second sheet-contacting surface of said second member being capable of relatively more surface deformation on those portions of the said second surface overlying said recesses whereby the inwardly extending lateral edges of the binding means on the surface of the first element may move toward said recesses during spreading of the processing fluid.
 1. Photographic apparatus including means for spreading a processing fluid in a layer between first and second superposed sheet elements, at least one of the elements forming part of an exposed rectangular area of a film unit, the elements secured in superposed relationship by spaced apart longitudinal edge binding means secured to the external surfaces of the sheets and overlapping longitudinal edge of the elements, the binding means extending inwardly from the longitudinal edges of the first element on the external surface thereof to define lateral edges which in part define the exposure area and inwardly from the longitudinal edges of the second element to a distance shorter than the inward extension on the surface of the first element, the elements thus secured having longitudinal margin portions of greater thickness than the portions thereof intermediate the longitudinal edges, said spreading means comprising: a first member having a first sheet-contacting surface; and a second member mounted in juxtaposed relation to said first member and adapted to define a pressure generating gap therewith through which the sheet elements are adapted to be advanced during spreading of the processing fluid, said second member including a generally rigid support member, means defining a pair of laterally spaced apart recesses in said support member, said recesses being adapted to respectively overlie the longitudinal margin portions of the superposed sheet elements from a lateral point intermediate the longitudinal edge on the surface of the second element and the lateral edge defining the exposure area on the surface of the first element and extending inwardly to a lateral point at least coextensive with the lateral edge defining the exposure area on the surface of the first element as the sheet elements are advanced between said first and second members, and a layer of relatively high-friction resilient material located in overlying relation to said support member, said layer including an external surface defining a second sheet-contacting surface and an interior surface having a configuration similar to that of said support member; said second sheet-contacting surface of said second member being capable of relatively more surface deformation on those portions of the said second surface overlying said recesses whereby the inwardly extending lateral edges of the binding means on the surface of the first element may move toward said recesses during spreading of the processing fluid.
 2. Photographic apparatus as defined in claim 1 further including means for resiliently urging one of said first and second members toward the other member.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said first member comprises a rotatably mounted elongated roller the first sheet-contacting surface of which has a length greater than the distance intermediate the lateral edges of the inward extension of the longitudinal edge binding means on the surface of the second element.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein said support member of said second member comprises a rotatably mounted elongated roller wherein said recess means comprises a pair of annular grooves.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said second sheet-contacting surface has a substantially cylindrical configuration.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4 further including means for driving at least one of said rollers to cause said one roller to impart rotary motion to the other of said rollers prior to the introduction of the pair of sheet elements between said rollers and to cause said second high-friction sheet-contacting surface to advance the pair of sheet elements between said rollers once the pair oF sheet elements have been brought into operative relationship therewith, the spacing between said first and second sheet-contacting surfaces being defined by the thickness of the longitudinal margin portions of the secured superposed sheet elements.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4 further including means for limiting the movement of said rollers towards one another under the influence of said urging means to define a minimum spacing between said first and second sheet-contacting surfaces thereby facilitating the introduction therebetween of the sheet elements.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said movement limiting means includes a pair of annular collars provided with bearing surfaces mounted on one of said rollers and extending towards the other said roller, and supporting surfaces on said other roller to respectively engage said collar bearing surfaces, said bearing and supporting surfaces comprising relatively low-friction non-resilient surfaces, said annular collars being spaced apart a distance greater than the width of the sheet elements and respectively located adjacent opposite ends of said second sheet-contacting surface, said collars imparting rotary motion to said first roller when under the influence of driving means prior to the advancment of the sheet elements between said rollers.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said support member of said second member is comprised of stainless steel and said layer of resilient material is comprised on an elastomer.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said elastomer is urethane.
 11. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said layer of resilient material is comprised of an elastomer. 